Today was the final leg of our Route 66 journey, and at this point there are many ways to feel about it all: relief, thankfulness, happy, and even a little touch of sadness that it is over. But before I get to all that, we had to get from Springfield to Chicago, and here's how we did it...
Our first stop, in the rain, was at Bill Shea's filling station and museum, in Springfield. Bill Shea is almost 87 years old, and is a veteran of WWII. He was part of the D-Day Invasion when they stormed the beaches of Normandy. After he came home he began a business at this filling station. Well, not this one exactly, it's the one next door, but this is the old one I got a picture of (Bill bought it and moved it in next to his other station). His filling station has turned into a museum, where he has collected all kinds of vintage gas pumps and other gas station and Route 66 memorabilia. Bill has been here at this station for over 60 years. I would have loved to hear more stories, but the boys were going pretty crazy in there and we couldn't really get out because of the rain. It was neat to meet a real "classic" of the road.
I got a picture of the boys with Bill Shea, on the right, and his son (I can't remember his name), who showed us around the museum/filling station.
In Atlanta, Il., we stopped for lunch in the park next to the public library building, built in 1908! It includes a museum now too, but it's still used as a library.
After lunch we took a side trip to see a very old church, and darn, it was another beautiful drive!
This old church in Funk's Grove, was built in 1845, and there is a beautiful cemetery next to it.
After visiting the church, we went to the most popular tourist site in Funk's Grove--the grove where the Funk's make pure maple sirup. It's a long story, but it all began in 1824 when Isaac Funk found a large group of maple trees out in the prarie, and he started his business making pure maple sirup. It has been passed down from generation to generation for over 180 years, and even the spelling is correct. It is delicious sirup--can't wait to use it on some pancakes at home.
A beautiful scence on Old Route 66, which we were almost done driving
This old gas station was built in 1932 to serve travelers on Route 66, which it did until the mid-1960's. After years of neglect it has been beautifully restored.
We wouldn't be seeing sights like this for much longer, for soon we would be in the big city. The boys really got a kick out of this "monster truck tractor."
And just like that we were out of the countryside and into the big city...Chicago!
We drove in on Jackson Dr., had to wander around for a bit because Jackson is closed off for the "Taste of Chicago" celebration starting soon, but finally found Jackson and...
...Lake Shore Dr., the end of Route 66 for us. It was crazy traffic and with no place to park we couldn't get out for a nice family picture at the end, but we really did make it. YAHOOOOO!Final Route 66 signs:
Photo 1: Shea's filling station and museum sign. Photo 2: old restaurant and museum sign in Broadwell, Il.
Jake really wanted this picture of the "happy smiley face guy" in Atlanta, Il.
"Once these great fiberglass giants could be found all up and down the Mother Road. Some held various objects in their hands illustrating the type of business that could be found below their gigantic form." --from the online guide. Big hot dog dude was in Atlanta, Il., and the Gemini Giant was in Wilmington, Il.
Love those triangle signs!
Jake and Elwood Blues like to boogie!
This is the last and final Route 66 sign I took a picture of. Lou Mitchell's opened in 1923 on Jackson St. and has been serving Route 66 customers ever since. We'll have to try it out.
Total mileage to date: 4,496.5
Weather: started out quite rainy, but ended up a beautiful day, 83 degrees
Premium gas price in Atlanta, Il.: $4.09
2 comments:
Oh wow, those pictures were so fabulous. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better I checked out the road trip picture through the forest, Breathtaking! The American countryside is absolutely breathtaking and I am so glad you have been able to capture some of it in your journey and share it with us. I have loved your stories and recollections. You need to print out this scrapbook for sure so you can have a hands on document for your boys to hold and look at from time to time.
Thanks so much for allowing us to be part of your wonderful, wonderful trip. It is kind of sad to see it end. Every day we anticipate what adventures you might be having, and the beautiful countryside you're seeing, and you never disappoint. Happy Trails coming come, we love you.
Post a Comment